Degree Classification Calculator – UK University Grade

Predict your final UK degree classification from your year averages, using your university's year weighting — and find the final-year average you need for a First or a 2:1.

Quick answer

UK honours degrees are classified on your weighted average: 70%+ is a First, 60–69% a 2:1, 50–59% a 2:2 and 40–49% a Third. Most universities weight the final year more heavily — for example 1:2 between Year 2 and Year 3 — so a 65% Year 2 and 72% Year 3 average gives (65 + 2 × 72) ÷ 3 = 69.67%, a high 2:1.

How to use the degree classification calculator

Choose your year weighting from your programme handbook — for example 1:2, 40/60 or 30/70 for Years 2 and 3. Pick “Custom” if yours is different.
Enter each counted year’s average mark (credit-weighted average of your module marks).
Read your predicted classification and weighted average. You will see a warning if you are close to a boundary.
Leave your final year blank to see the average you need for a First, 2:1, 2:2 or Third.

UK degree classification bands

Classification	Overall mark	Also called
First-Class Honours	70% and above	First, 1st
Upper Second-Class Honours	60–69%	2:1, two-one
Lower Second-Class Honours	50–59%	2:2, two-two
Third-Class Honours	40–49%	Third, 3rd
Ordinary / Fail	Below 40%	No honours

Integrated master’s degrees (MEng, MSci, MPharm) use the same bands. Taught master’s degrees (MA, MSc) usually award a Distinction at 70%+, Merit at 60–69% and Pass at 50–59%.

How your degree average is calculated

Year average = Σ (module mark × module credits) ÷ Σ module credits Degree average = Σ (year average × year weight) ÷ Σ year weights

First year usually counts for 0% — it only needs to be passed — but some universities give it a small weight. Common weightings:

Weighting	Year 2	Year 3
1 : 2	33.3%	66.7%
1 : 3	25%	75%
40 : 60	40%	60%
30 : 70	30%	70%
50 : 50	50%	50%

Worked example: what do I need to get a First?

With a 1:2 weighting and a Year 2 average of 64%:

Required Year 3 average = (70 × 3 − 64 × 1) ÷ 2 = (210 − 64) ÷ 2 = 73%

For a 2:1 you would need (60 × 3 − 64) ÷ 2 = 58% — already within easy reach. With a 40/60 weighting the First would need (70 × 100 − 64 × 40) ÷ 60 = 74%.

Borderlines and rules that can lift your grade

Many universities look beyond the raw average when you are just below a boundary:

Borderline zone: marks within about 1–2% of a boundary (for example 68–69.9%) are often considered for the higher class.
Preponderance rule: if most of your final-year credits are in the higher class, you may be awarded it.
Rounding: some universities round 69.5% up to 70%.
Best credits: some discount your lowest-scoring modules.

The rules differ between universities and are published in each university’s academic regulations.

Is a 2:1 good?

A 2:1 is the most commonly awarded classification and is the minimum many graduate schemes and master’s programmes ask for. A First is the highest classification. For applications to North America, a 2:1 is usually treated as roughly a 3.3 GPA or above, and a First as about 3.7–4.0 — see our GPA scale converter and remember that each university uses its own equivalency table.

Calculating your year average from modules

Each year average is credit-weighted. A typical UK year has 120 credits, for example six 20-credit modules or a 40-credit dissertation plus four 20-credit modules.

Module	Credits	Mark
Dissertation	40	72
Module A	20	68
Module B	20	65
Module C	20	70
Module D	20	61

Year average = (72 × 40 + 68 × 20 + 65 × 20 + 70 × 20 + 61 × 20) ÷ 120 = 8,160 ÷ 120 = 68.0%. Enter that figure as your year average above.

Frequently asked questions

What percentage is a First-class degree?

A First-Class Honours degree is an overall weighted average of 70% or above. A 2:1 is 60–69%, a 2:2 is 50–59% and a Third is 40–49%.

Does first year count towards my degree?

At most UK universities first year must be passed but does not count towards the final classification. Some universities give it a small weight, such as 10%. Check your programme handbook.

How do I work out what I need in third year for a First?

Use (70 × total weight − Year 2 average × Year 2 weight) ÷ Year 3 weight. With a 1:2 weighting and a 64% Year 2, you need (210 − 64) ÷ 2 = 73% in Year 3. The calculator does this when you leave Year 3 blank.

Is 69% a First or a 2:1?

On the raw average 69% is a 2:1. Many universities, however, consider borderline marks for the higher class, using rules such as rounding or the preponderance of credits.

What GPA is a 2:1?

There is no official conversion, but US and Canadian universities often treat a 2:1 as equivalent to about a 3.3 GPA or above. Each university publishes its own equivalency.

Sources and methodology

Uses standard UK honours bands and weighted averages. Weighting presets are common patterns rather than any single university’s rules; borderline and discretion policies are explained but not applied automatically.

Reviewed by the ProAcademy Tools editorial team. Found an error? Tell us — we correct mistakes quickly.